10 Tips for a Smoother Morning Routine
Not a morning person? Crawling out of your comfy bed in the morning is a herculean task, especially during the winter months. Here are a couple of tips and tricks to help make your morning routine run a little more smoothly!
1. Print assignments the night before.
I often forget, or am too tired to print assignments, and delay it to the morning they are due. I cannot tell you how many times my printer has jammed, ran out of ink or paper – leaving me struggling to get to class on time to turn in the homework. Printing before hand can save you time and stress in the morning. If you have to email your homework, just send it the night before it’s due; you never when your Wi-Fi might stop working. Plus, you will get better sleep knowing that you have everything ready.
2. Prepare your backpack at night.
I know this seems like a very elementary school thing to do, but if I don’t do this at night, I always seem to be scrambling and forgetting things in the morning. Do your morning routine favor; be prepared and avoid this kind of stress.
3. Pack snacks the night before.
Having only Tuesdays and Thursday classes this semester has made my days long and tedious. I always find myself thinking about food rather than listening to my professor lecture. I usually like to pack a bag of mini-carrots, granola bars and bananas into my bag the night before, to make sure I have something to munch on the next day.
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4. Invest in a satin pillowcase.
This does wonders. My hair used to be uncontrollable and frizzy every morning when I had a polyester and cotton blend pillowcase. The cotton in the pillowcase tugs at your hair while you are sleeping, making it frizzy. This would always add time onto my morning routine because I would have to straighten my hair to make it look presentable. After getting myself a satin pillowcase, I no longer have to worry about frizz and I can just get up and go!
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5. Try to get a good night sleep.
Pulling all-nighters once in a while is okay, but don’t make it a habit; it can affect your sleep cycle and your health. In college it’s hard to have a consistent bed time, and even harder to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. But I can promise you that after getting a good night’s sleep, you will have more energy during the day – so try.
6. Set your alarm 30 minutes early.
I am totally guilty of clicking snooze on my alarm until its 7:50 a.m. and realize I am going to be late for my 8 a.m. class (so I might as well just skip it, right?). By setting my alarm 30 minutes before I actually have to wake up, it makes it easier for me to get up on time so I’m not late (and don’t end up skipping class).
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7. Check the weather before you get ready.
Sometimes the weather is so bipolar! It may look sunny when you peek out the window, but then it starts raining a half an hour later. By glancing on the forecast, you can better predict the necessary items you’ll need for the entire day – no running back to the dorm to grab an umbrella.
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8. Eat a GOOD breakfast
Eating something like Greek yogurt, eggs, or smoothies are a great way to jump start your morning routine. Protein or fruit will help you stay energized and full. Also, you’ve probably heard plenty of spiels about how “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” so I’m sure you don’t need much convincing on this one!
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9. Drink green tea
Not only is green tea easier to make than having to brew coffee as part of your morning routine, but it is also healthier. Green tea hydrates your body, has antioxidants, reduces stress and strengthens your immune system. It also doesn’t make your teeth yellow and can help you loose weight. Need I go on?
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10. Go over your schedule
By going over your schedule in the morning, you can be sure you are prepared to tackle the day. It’s never fun to come back to your apartment only to realize you forgot that you had scheduled an appointment with your professor or you missed turning in an assignment. Being more organized in the mornings will make you feel less stressed during the day. Trust me.
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Top image source: www.techinsider.io
Priya is currently a second year at the University of California, Santa Barbara studying economics and accounting. She is obsessed with Pinterest, fashion, and all things beauty.